Omega De Ville Prestige Ref. 196.2532
Produced in 1999, the Omega De Ville Prestige Ref. 196.2532 is a model that blends the brand's classic dress watch aesthetic with the slim, minimalist profile enabled by quartz technology in the late 1990s. Its stainless steel casemeasuring approximately 33 mm in diameter—clearly embodies the De Ville design language of that era, featuring a slender bezel and long, narrow lugs.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
The silver-toned dial is not a single, uniform surface; the central section features a repeating fine geometric texture, while the outer ring displays much tighter circular lines. A minute track situated between these two zones visually segments the dial into distinct layers. Roman numerals and baton indices uphold the watch's classic character, while dark, leaf-shaped hands create a striking contrast against the light dial. A framed date window at the 3 o'clock position is seamlessly integrated into the composition, maintaining harmony with the overall design.
The watch is powered by the Omega Calibre 1532 quartz movement. The movement's slim profile enables the De Ville Prestige family's low-profile case dimensions while ensuring the precision associated with quartz technology for daily wear.
The serial number 58,656,675 on the case back dates this specific piece to 1999. However, one of the watch's most intriguing features is a Japanese commemorative engraving added to the case back a few years after its production. The inscription reads "Retirement Commemoration," includes the date June 30, 2001, and bears the name Daiichi Koun Co., Ltd. (第-港運株式会社). Thus, by looking directly at the caseback, we can determine not only when this watch was manufactured but also the occasion on which it was presented to someone in Japan approximately two years later.
When considering the De Ville medallion at the center of the caseback alongside the surrounding brushed finish and the Japanese engraving, the watch’s historical identity is not merely tied to its reference number-it is physically inscribed upon the timepiece itself. The watch is offered with the period-correct Omega presentation box shown in the photographs.
Final Thoughts
We can determine the production year of many vintage watches, but very few reveal a specific day in their history. This De Ville was manufactured in 1999 and marked the conclusion of a career on June 30, 2001.
The item shown here was manufactured in 1999.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every component has been cleaned, lubricated, and precision-adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It requires no maintenance for three years, provided it is not subjected to adverse conditions.)
Item Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
